DUTY ON WHEAT.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17802, 29 August 1929, Page 9

DUTY ON WHEAT.

DAIRYMEN’S VIEWS

PLACED BEFORE COMMITTEE.

HANDICAP TO BACON TRADE

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The second public sitting of the Select Committee of the House which is considering the question of wheat duties, was held to-day. Mr Ferguson, representing the South Auckland Dairy Association, said dairy farmers felt that with the high tariff on pig food it was impossible to raise the right class of pig for the export trade. They would prefer the duty to be taken off pig food than receive a bonus of a halfpenny per lb on the export trade. There was a feeling that there was no benefit to the farmer from the bonus. Further evidence was given by the Secretary of Industries and Commerce Department, Mr Collins, who said the object of the tariff and sliding scale was to make New’ Zealand entirely independent, if possible. If the department were asked to investigate and report on the economic price of bread in order to give a reasonable price and provide for overhead expenses they would fix the price at Is per 41b loaf. Duties Keep Up Prices. To the chairman at the Wheat Committee Mr Collins said were it not for the duties wheat would be much cheaper. Mr Fawcett, of the Department of Agriculture, speaking in regard to the poultry industry, said there was overproduction of eggs in the Dominion at present. The industry was on the downward swing, and this would probably bring about a rise in price in the next" few' years. One of the big disadvantages under which the poultry farmer was working was that there was no organisation through which lie could buy his wheat advantageously. Witness said he saw no prospect of an export 'market for New Zealand GggS. The committee adjourned till next Wednesday.